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Fall boasts fun, amusing activities for students in Peoria

Photo by Erin Wood

Bradley’s campus has been set ablaze in the past few weeks.
Fall is working its magic by bringing a little color to the trees and scenery around town, and Bradley is no exception.
Students can be seen breaking out the sweatshirts while studying on Olin Quad. Cups of steaming coffee seem to be this season’s hottest accessory. A chill is coming into the air, along with the smell of burning leaves, apple cider and pumpkin guts.
Along with those things, there are more activities for those wanting to enjoy the last of the temperate weather before the icy blast of the Midwest blows into town.
Perhaps the biggest draw, and staple, for students seeking some fall fun is Tanner’s Orchard.
Located in Speer, just 30 minutes from campus, Tanner’s Orchard offers the widest range of autumn activities for those looking to enjoy the season.
Open from September to November, Tanner’s allows patrons to go apple picking, pet some unusual animals in the Animal Barn and indulge in some homemade seasonal snacks.
Offering a huge range of products including fresh apple cider, homemade fudge, kettle corn, apple cider donuts, jams and jellies, along with fall and winter home decorations, Tanner’s Orchard is sure to tickle the harvest spirit in any and all that attend.
If Speer is too far a drive, but you’re craving some fall foods, head on down to the Peoria Riverfront Saturdays in October from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Fall Market.
While there, be sure to stop by the stalls of local merchants to sample all the different food products, produce, meats, cheeses and crafts Peoria has to offer.
Also, many of the participating Riverfront restaurants offer free kids meals when adults pay for the full meals.
Perhaps money is a little tight and you are looking for some free fall options. Fall offers many opportunities ripe for the picking. Try raking up those leaves in the quad or your front yard and having a leaf-jumping party. While not the most thrilling, there is something about fall that makes everyone want to be a kid again.
It’s the start of football season, so why not head on down to Laura Bradley Park with a gaggle of friends and start a flag football league? Kill two birds with one stone – work out and have fun. It’s really that easy.
Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy the fall weather. The chill in the air and the harvest smell on the breeze will soon be replaced with an icy blast and snowflakes in the wind. Don’t waste the last few nice days before the wrath of winter wraps its chilly fingers around your neck.
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